Planning Your Ballarat Weekend
Posted Mon 9th Oct 2017 | efront
The Open House Ballarat weekend runs from 28th to 29th of October 2017 and is a free event that welcomes audiences into significant buildings and site across the city. View all the buildings and events here.
The weekend is a chance to challenge your opinion about architecture, build your knowledge about Ballarat’s history, and arm yourself with information about future developments that will impact the city.
PLANNING YOUR WEEKEND
When deciding on what to visit, please check specific opening dates and times, as some buildings only open for one day or only during specific times.
Nearly all buildings are open access, self-guided or will operate guided tours at specific times. You don’t need to book for these buildings however if the building is busy you may need to wait.
Some buildings have pre-booked tours, due to their limited capacity and for privacy reason, and will require a $5 booking fee to reserve your place.
ENTRY EXPLAINED
Self-Guided
Many buildings will offer ‘self guided’ tours and information for collection on the day. Please ensure to check details and opening times before you arrive to avoid disappointment.
Guided Tours
Some buildings will have guided tours at specific times that you can participate in on the day. These tours operate on a ‘first in best dressed’ basis. Please check details of tours before you arrive and note that some tours may result in queues.
Specific Opening Times
The Open House Ballarat Weekend runs 10am–4pm on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 October. Before deciding on what to visit please check specific opening dates and times, as some buildings only open for one day.
Pre-booked tours
Four buildings have pre-booked tours only, due to their limited capacity or for privacy reasons and will require a small $5 commitment fee to reserve your place.
First release of spaces open at 8:30am on Monday 9 October and second release at 8:30am on Monday 23 October.
There are no other booking options available for these buildings so please be prepared. If you need assistance using online systems, please have a family member or friend there with you. These tours are always in high demand, please check details via our website and sign up to our newsletter before you book, as we don’t want you to be disappointed!
Expect Queues
Some buildings can only take limited numbers at a time, or they may be very popular. Wait times can vary, be sure to ask our friendly volunteers on arrival.
Accessibility
Not all buildings will be accessible to all mobility levels. Look for details about access in each building listing and please get in touch should you have any further queries.
Other Restrictions
Sometimes you will need to adhere to specific safety requirements, where suitable clothing or other conditions on entry. Be sure to check these details and be prepared. There may be restrictions or no photography allowed at some buildings, please check the listing and be advised by volunteers and building staff.
For Kids
Most of the program is family friendly, although some buildings may have age limits or may not be suitable for children at all. Please refer to individual building listing for details.
PLACES TO STAY
Mention Open House at time of booking to receive 20% off standard rate. Bookings made directly with hotel and not to be used with any other deals.
Mention Open House at time of booking or use promotional code OPENHOUSE2017 to receive 10% discount.
OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS
Mercure Ballarat Hotel and Convention Centre
Greenfield Place
Lake Inn Ballarat
The George Comfort Inn
Calbung Stays Ballarat
Bakery Hill Apartment
The Provincial
Head to Visit Ballarat for more details.
